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"My Lord, said that charming Maid, were I to behold a Man Masculine, yet Beautiful, Great, yet truly Brave; A Prince whose Virtues, brighter than his Diadems, appear; one more glorious than boundless Fancy can to the thinking Mind depaint; and, not convinc'd by signal proofs, his heart inclin'd, his passion forc't him to my feet: I might gaze on such a Master-piece; but my Eyes should let him no farther in: He never shou'd disturb my Mind."

— Pix, Mary (c.1666-1720)

Author

Pix, Mary (c.1666-1720)

Work Title

The Inhumane Cardinal, or Innocence Betray'd

Place of Publication

London

Publisher

Printed for John Harding and Richard Wilkin

Date

1696

Metaphor

"My Lord, said that charming Maid, were I to behold a Man Masculine, yet Beautiful, Great, yet truly Brave; A Prince whose Virtues, brighter than his Diadems, appear; one more glorious than boundless Fancy can to the thinking Mind depaint; and, not convinc'd by signal proofs, his heart inclin'd, his passion forc't him to my feet: I might gaze on such a Master-piece; but my Eyes should let him no farther in: He never shou'd disturb my Mind."

Metaphor in Context

My Lord, said that charming Maid, were I to behold a Man Masculine, yet Beautiful, Great, yet truly Brave; A Prince whose Virtues, brighter than his Diadems, appear; one more glorious than boundless Fancy can to the thinking Mind depaint; and, not convinc'd by signal proofs, his heart inclin'd, his passion forc't him to my feet: I might gaze on such a Master-piece; but my Eyes should let him no farther in: He never shou'd disturb my Mind. You may, reply'd the Prince, love wheresoe'er you look; nor need to fear they'll not sigh for you; at least, if I may judge the Soul of others by my own. Lovisa took this for raillery, and pleasantly return'd, such Hearts as yours will be most glorious Trophies, and I shall grow exceeding proud, but that, to humble me, I know Prince Emilius's way, and my own Imperfections.
(pp. 128-9)